Gum disease, sometimes known as periodontitis (per-e-o-don-TIE-tis), is a dangerous gum infection that harms the soft tissue surrounding teeth. The bone that supports your teeth can be destroyed by periodontitis if treatment is not received. Teeth may become loose as a result, or tooth loss may result.
Although common, periodontitis is typically preventable. It frequently happens as a result of poor oral hygiene. Brush and floss daily, as well as schedule routine dental exams, to help prevent periodontitis or increase your chances of a successful course of treatment.
Symptoms
Strong, tightly fitting gums encircle teeth in good health. Gums in good health can vary in colour. Some people may have light pink ones, while others may have dark pink and brown ones.
Periodontitis symptoms can include:
- puffy or swollen gums.
- gums that are bright red, dark red, or dark purple.
- gums that give way easily under pressure.
- easily bleeding gums.
- a toothbrush that, after use, has a pink appearance.
- spitting blood during dental flossing or brushing.
- relentlessly bad breath.
- pus between the gingiva and teeth.
- teeth loss or loose teeth.
- unpleasant chewing.
- new, black triangle-shaped spaces that appear in the spaces between your teeth.
Causes
Plaque usually initiates the development of periodontitis. A sticky film primarily composed of bacteria is called plaque. Here’s how plaque can eventually progress to periodontitis if left untreated:
When common oral bacteria combine with the starches and sugars in food, plaque is created on your teeth. Plaque is removed by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day, but it returns quickly.
If plaque remains on your teeth, it can become tartar beneath your gum line. It is more difficult to get rid of tartar. It requires a professional dental cleaning to be removed; brushing and flossing won’t be enough to get rid of it. The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more damage they can cause because they are packed with bacteria.
The mildest kind of gum disease, gingivitis, can be brought on by plaque. The gum tissue surrounding the roots of your teeth becomes inflamed and swollen when you have gingivitis. Gum tissue is also known as gingiva. With expert care and proper oral hygiene at home, gingivitis can be reversed—but only if it is caught early, before bone loss sets in.
Periodontitis can be brought on by persistent inflammation, or gum irritation and swelling. Deep pockets eventually develop between your gums and teeth as a result of this. With time, these pockets deepen as bacteria, tartar, and plaque accumulate inside of them. These deep infections result in tissue and bone loss if left untreated. You might eventually lose one or more teeth. Furthermore, persistent inflammation can weaken your immune system and lead to additional health issues.
Prevention
Taking good care of your teeth and mouth is the best way to avoid developing periodontitis. Establish this practice early in life and stick with it.
Proper dental hygiene. This entails flossing at least once a day and brushing your teeth for two minutes, preferably in the morning and right before bed. You can remove the bacteria and food particles that have become loosened by flossing before brushing. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps to fight periodontal disease-causing bacteria and keeps your teeth and gums healthy.
Routine trips to the dentist. Get cleanings from your dentist on a regular basis, usually every six to twelve months. You might require professional cleaning more frequently if you have risk factors for developing periodontitis, such as smoking, taking certain medications, or having dry mouth.
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